Many Costa Ricans in border communities in the northern zone are suffering from a lack of adequate drinking water. The only drinking water source in the area has been found to be contaminated with high levels of mercury.
At least six remote towns are affected, including Pocosol and Cutris. Since February 14th, the local school was shut down because of the lack of drinking water. This is by order of the Ministry of Health.
The mercury level in the water is 0.00954 mg/L and the maximum safe level is 0.001 mg/L. Mercury poisoning can cause neurological damage, kidney problems, and congenital problems in fetuses.
The mercury is used in the extraction of gold in nearby mountains and contaminates the rivers, threatening wildlife and humans alike.
Residents are creating makeshift systems with hoses to bring water to their homes.
The Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers has to deliver cisterns but has not been able to because the communities are only accessed through an abandoned border trail. On Monday, it will be requested at the Municipal Council session that some improvement be made to the access roads so tankers can reach the remote towns while a permanent solution is reached.
